President Obama Makes a Surprise Appearance at the Grammys to Stand Up Against Domestic Violence

Audio equipment, Finger, Dress shirt, Chin, Forehead, Collar, Electronic device, Microphone, Public speaking, Formal wear, — (Image credit: Getty)

As an introduction to Katy Perry's Grammys performance with domestic violence survivor Brooke Axtell, President Obama delivered a message in which he called on artists to use their "unique power to change minds and attitudes" and put an end to rape.

"It's on us—all of us—to create a culture where violence isn't tolerated, where survivors are supported, and where all our young people—men and women—can go as far as their talents and their dreams will take them," he said in the recorded public service announcement.

The video is the latest effort of the White House's "It's On Us" campaign, which aims to end sexual assaults on college campuses. Since the program's launch in September, students from more than 200 colleges and universities, several collegiate sports organizations, and celebrities have participated in the campaign.

Watch the PSA below—and take the pledge here.

- YouTube

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Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at Marie Claire. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.